The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is under fire after issuing a certificate of academic equivalence to General Rwashande Emmanuel, recognizing his military training as equivalent to formal advanced-level education — despite no evidence of standard academic transcripts or a birth certificate being presented.
The certificate, dated June 19, 2025, states that Gen Rwashande, born on January 5, 1960, has met the academic threshold for advanced-level education through the following qualifications:
- Diploma in Defense and Strategic Studies, National Defense University of PLA (2007)
- Basic Military Training Course, UPDF (1982)
- Company Commanders Course, Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces (1998)
The certificate is issued under Section 4(B) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, typically invoked to validate educational qualifications of parliamentary aspirants. The sudden issuance just days before political nominations has raised serious concerns about transparency, eligibility vetting, and possible political interference.
Public and Expert Reactions
Veteran journalist and political commentator Daniel Kalinaki didn’t mince words:
“You’re telling us this is someone vying for public office, yet there’s no A-Level certificate, no O-Level transcript — and can’t he at least present a birth certificate?”
Kalinaki’s frustration mirrors a broader public sentiment that the certificate circumvents standard educational benchmarks. Critics argue that allowing military short courses to substitute for structured academic assessment opens the door for manipulation.
A lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Education, who requested anonymity, added:
“Military service is honorable, but it’s not the same as sitting for UNEB exams. These shortcuts degrade the system.”
NCHE Defends Its Decision
An NCHE official, speaking off record, maintained that the certificate followed legal provisions.
“We don’t create the law — we interpret and apply it. If a person has equivalent training and experience, the Act gives us discretion,” they said.
Still, the lack of academic records and supporting documents like a birth certificate has fueled speculation about Rwashande’s background, age, and actual eligibility. On social media, the hashtag #FakePapersUG began trending, with Ugandans calling for an audit of all recent NCHE certifications.
